These Red, White and Blue Strawberries are the ultimate no-bake patriotic treat. Juicy strawberries get a dip in creamy white chocolate, a splash of vibrant blue candy melts, and a final roll in sparkly blue sanding sugar. They’re bright, festive, and perfect for Memorial Day, Fourth of July, or any summer celebration where red-white-and-blue is the dress code. No oven, no stress, and just a handful of simple ingredients.

Red, white and blue strawberries by Tessie's Table. — Photo Credit: Tessie’s Table.

These are perfect for any summer gathering — 4th of July, Memorial Day, Labor Day, or even a casual weekend BBQ. They’re easy to make ahead and don’t need any oven time, which is a win when it’s hot out. You can serve them on a dessert tray, pack them up for a picnic, or just keep a batch in the fridge for a sweet snack that looks like you went all out.

Why you’ll love these Red, White and Blue Strawberries

So easy, no baking needed:
You only need four ingredients and a microwave. If you can stir and dip, you can make these.
Perfect for patriotic holidays:
These are made for your red, white, and blue menu. Ideal for Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, or any summer gathering.
Crowd-pleasing and eye-catching:
They taste amazing and look even better. That sparkling blue sugar against the white chocolate is a total showstopper.

Red, white, and blue strawberries arranged in a white dish, dipped in white candy melts and coated in blue sanding sugar.

Easy Patriotic Dessert with Strawberries

These were a hit at a cookout we went to last summer. I made them ahead of time, popped them in the fridge, and brought them along in a container. By the time the burgers were off the grill, the tray was empty. They’re one of those recipes that people get excited about before they even take a bite. The colors are bold, and they’re easy to grab and eat!

Ingredients Needed for Red, White and Blue Strawberries

Strawberries: Fresh, bright red strawberries are the star of the show. Look for ones that are medium to large in size and have a nice point at the end (it helps with dipping). They should be completely dry before you dip them or the coating won’t stick well.
White candy melts: These give you that clean, creamy middle layer that contrasts perfectly with the red and blue. They set quickly and have a smooth texture. If you don’t have candy melts, you can use white chocolate chips, just know they melt a little differently and may need extra coconut oil to thin.
Blue candy melts: These add the bold blue stripe and help anchor the sanding sugar. They’re vibrant and smooth when melted. If you don’t have blue melts, you can stir blue food coloring into white melts, but make sure to use oil-based coloring to avoid seizing.
Blue sanding sugar: This is what gives the strawberries that sparkle. It sticks to the melted candy coating and adds texture and crunch. You can find it in the baking aisle near sprinkles or order it online. If you prefer, crushed blue sprinkles work too. Just go with something dry and colorful.
Coconut oil (optional): If your candy melts are too thick or clumpy, coconut oil helps smooth them out. Just a little goes a long way. Use refined coconut oil if you don’t want any coconut flavor coming through.

Ingredients for Red White and Blue Strawberries

How to make Red, White and Blue Strawberries

**For more detailed instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card below.**

Bowl of smooth, melted white candy melts with a fresh strawberry beside it, ready for dipping.

Melt the candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth. Add coconut oil if needed to thin.

Fresh strawberry being dipped into melted white candy coating for red, white, and blue dessert.

Hold each strawberry by the stem and dip it about two-thirds into the white candy. Let the excess drip off and place it on the tray to set.

Strawberry already dipped in white candy, now being dipped into melted blue candy coating.

Dip the bottom third of the white-coated strawberry into the blue melts.

Strawberry dipped in white and blue candy melts being rolled in blue sanding sugar for a festive finish.

Immediately dip the blue-coated tip into the sanding sugar and gently roll or press to coat evenly. Chill until fully set.

Variations

Use milk or dark chocolate instead of white: If you’re not a fan of white candy melts, milk or dark chocolate gives a richer flavor. You’ll lose the “white” in the patriotic color scheme, but the red and blue still pop and the taste is amazing.
Swap the blue melts for just sanding sugar: If you don’t want to buy blue candy melts, you can go straight from white chocolate into blue sugar for a two-color version. It’s just as festive and a little less sweet.
Add a drizzle on top: Melt a bit of red or white candy coating and drizzle over the finished strawberries once they’ve set. It gives a more detailed, bakery-style finish and you can get creative with the design.
Use gold or silver sanding sugar for a different look: Not every party needs red, white, and blue. Swap the blue for gold or silver sanding sugar for graduation parties, weddings, or New Year’s.
Make mini strawberry bites: Use smaller strawberries, slice off the tops, and serve them flat-side down on a tray with toothpicks. Great for finger food setups and party grazing boards.

Serving Suggestions

Add them to a patriotic dessert platter: Pair with Red Velvet Brownies, Cherry Pie Cookies, and Patriotic Cakesicles for a themed dessert spread that’s ready for Memorial Day or July 4th.
Serve on skewers for easy grabbing: Thread a few strawberries onto bamboo skewers and lay them across a platter for guests to pick up and go. It’s a great touch for outdoor parties.
Pair with a cold dessert tray: These strawberries go really well with chilled lemon bars, no-bake cheesecake bites, or icebox cakes. A mix of textures keeps the dessert table fun.
Use them as a cake topper: Add these to the top of a sheet cake or trifle to give a store-bought dessert a patriotic upgrade. They make a big visual impact without much effort.
Serve with a fruit and cheese board: Add these strawberries to a grazing board with blueberries, watermelon, brie, and crackers. Just like my Charcuterie Board, it’s a festive way to balance sweet and savory.

Storage and Freezing

How should I store Red, White and Blue Strawberries?

Store the dipped strawberries in a single layer in an airtight container in the fridge. If you’re stacking them, use parchment or wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days, but they’re best eaten within the first 24 hours when the candy coating is crisp.

Can I freeze Red, White and Blue Strawberries?

I don’t recommend freezing these. The texture of the strawberries changes when frozen and thawed. They release moisture and the candy coating can crack or get sticky. If you absolutely need to prep ahead, you’re better off making them the night before and storing them chilled.

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Close-up of a red, white, and blue strawberry dipped in white chocolate and blue sanding sugar with mini American flags in the background.

Tips & Tricks

Use dry strawberries: Moisture is the enemy of melted chocolate and candy melts. Make sure the strawberries are fully dry, no shortcuts here or the coating won’t stick properly. Pat them with paper towels and let them air dry completely.
Don’t overheat your candy melts: Melt them in short bursts and stir often. Overheating will cause them to seize or burn. If they get too thick, stir in a teaspoon of coconut oil until smooth.
Let the first layer set before adding the next: It’s tempting to keep going, but if the white layer isn’t set, the blue layer will smudge and you’ll lose that crisp stripe. Give it 5–10 minutes to firm up first.
Use a deep narrow bowl for dipping: You’ll get a cleaner dip with less mess and waste if you melt your candy in a container that lets you dip straight down rather than swirling. Think a mug or small prep bowl.
Chill them to set faster: If your kitchen is warm or you’re short on time, pop the tray into the fridge for 10–15 minutes to help everything set up cleanly without melting or smudging.

More Fun Desserts

FAQ

Can I use white chocolate chips instead of candy melts?
Yes, but white chocolate chips are a bit trickier. They tend to melt thicker and can scorch easily, so melt them gently and stir in coconut oil as needed to loosen the texture. Candy melts are more reliable if you’re after a super smooth finish.
What can I use if I don’t have sanding sugar?
You can use colored sprinkles, crushed freeze-dried blueberries, or even edible glitter if you’re going for sparkle. The texture will change depending on what you use, but it’ll still look festive.
Do I need to refrigerate these?
Yes, especially if you’re making them ahead of time. The candy coating holds up better when chilled, and strawberries stay fresher. Just bring them out about 15 minutes before serving.
Can I make these a day in advance?
Absolutely. These are perfect for prepping the night before. Store them in a single layer in an airtight container and keep them cold until serving time.
Why won’t my candy melts stick to the strawberries?
Most likely, the strawberries were wet. Even a little moisture will prevent the coating from adhering. Make sure they’re bone dry before you start dipping.
Can I use food coloring in the candy melts?
Yes, but only use oil-based food coloring. Water-based colorings will cause the candy melts to seize. Start with a tiny amount and adjust as needed.
How do I transport these without ruining them?
Line a shallow container with parchment, place the strawberries in a single layer, and cover loosely with plastic wrap or the container lid. Keep them cold during transport, especially on warm days.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
No, they’ll be too soft and watery once thawed. The coating won’t stick properly, and they won’t hold their shape well either. Fresh is best for this recipe.
What if I don’t have coconut oil?
You can also use vegetable shortening or a tiny bit of neutral-flavored oil like canola. Just don’t use butter or water — they’ll cause the coating to seize or separate.
Can I color the white chocolate instead of using colored melts?
You can, but again, only use oil-based gel food coloring. Water-based dyes will ruin your chocolate and make it gritty or lumpy.

Red, White and Blue Strawberries

Sweet, juicy strawberries dipped in white and blue candy melts for a fun patriotic treat that’s as easy as it is festive.

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Prep Time 15

Chill Time 10

Total Time 25

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings

Calories 46 kcal

Equipment

Microwave-safe bowls
Fork or dipping tool
Sheet pan
Parchment paper

Ingredients

24 fresh strawberries washed and dried completely
1 cup white candy melts
½ cup blue candy melts
⅓ cup blue sanding sugar

Instructions

Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and set aside.
Melt the white candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second bursts, stirring in between until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, stir in a bit of coconut oil (see notes below).
Hold each strawberry by the stem and dip about two-thirds of the way into the white candy coating. Let any excess drip off.
Place the dipped strawberry on the prepared tray and repeat with the remaining strawberries.
Let the white coating set for about 5–10 minutes, or until just firm.
Melt the blue candy melts in a clean microwave-safe bowl, using the same method as before.
Dip the bottom third of each strawberry into the blue candy melt, just enough to create a red-white-blue layered look.
Immediately dip or roll the blue end into a bowl of blue sanding sugar to coat.
Return the finished strawberry to the tray and let them sit until fully set.

Notes

***Candy melts can sometimes be a little thick or clumpy when melted. To smooth things out, stir in about 1 -2 teaspoons of refined coconut oil at a time until the texture is silky and dippable. Avoid using water, as it will cause the candy melts to seize.

Nutrition

Calories: 46kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 0.1gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.02gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.01gSodium: 7mgPotassium: 18mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 1IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 0.1mg

Keyword 4th of July, No Bake, Party Food, Summer

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